Ime Akpan
The vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as an indisputable national heritage that promotes national integration and cohesion.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, the vice president made the commendation in a speech he delivered at the combined 2015, 2016 and 2017) President’s NYSC Honours Awards Ceremony held in Abuja where 168 NYSC members who distinguished themselves during the service years were offered automatic employment and scholarships to study up to doctorate level in any Nigerian university of choice.
He said the scheme “has from the beginning been about opportunities, opportunities for young Nigerians to serve, to earn a living, to travel, to see and learn about Nigeria and go beyond their comfort zones and to build lifelong friendships.”
Besides, he said the programmed “established in 1973 by…elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon, who was just 39 years old at the time…has become an important complement to national development, by making available manpower to meet Nigeria’s requirements in education, health, infrastructure development and many other areas.”
He enjoined the youths to “see yourselves as the leaders that you are” but pointed out that leadership comes with responsibility and continuous sacrifice.
“The successes you have achieved and are being rewarded for today should inspire you to even greater feats in your various spheres of influence,” he said.
Osinbajo also told the beneficiaries that it is the exceptional individuals in a society who are the true builders of institutions and nations.
“These exceptional individuals like you, are not necessarily those from the wealthiest homes or most fortunate circumstances. Indeed, they may be from the most humble circumstances and they may not even be the most academically successful of their peers. But they are the young men and women who somehow, know that true greatness comes from serving others and one’s community,” he stated.
In addition, he said it is the vision, innovation and handwork of one person that would make the difference in the life of a community or a nation.
“We have seen this in the outstanding work of many of you here today that indeed, with your own innovation, vision and contribution, you profoundly impacted the communities you served. Just one person can make a substantial difference in the life of a community,” he added.
Furthermore, Osinbajo said enduring individual success is a function of the courage and resilience “we bring to our lives.”
He said he was challenged by the remarkable courage some corps members who suffered various accidents while in service.
“The fact that these young men and women have gone through these harrowing personal injuries, but are still determined to engage the future with hope and confidence, is proof that they will still experience the joys of great success and fulfillment in their lives and their future is bright,” he added.
